Sue said: “My aunt accompanied him with her Jack Russell, called ‘Pompey’ “She used to tell me the story and it’s something that’s always intrigued me.”

The 57-year-old, who now lives in Wareham, added: “I think the bridge is very impressive.

“It’s certainly different from the other one. I’m hoping it will help Poole and be good for the town.”

Residents formed a human chain by holding hands across the bridge yesterday, before it closed again.

Workers from contractor Hochtief UK Construction Limited are putting the finishing touches to the bridge before drivers are allowed to use it.

Jim Bright, Borough of Poole’s Strategic Director, said: “The bridge is looking fantastic and our contractor is working hard on the finishing touches that will make it such a stunning addition to
Poole’s skyline.

“As soon as this work is completed and the bridge is formally handed over to the council, we intend to fully open it to road traffic at the earliest opportunity.”

Comments (29)

Although most of the locals are still very sceptical about the practicalities of the bridge we turned out in force on saturday. The atmosphere was great, I look forward to seeing how it all works when the traffic is allowed. I do wonder though as to why trees were planted every few yards? they are obstructuvive in my eyes especially if you have a wide buggy or a wheelchair. Will the roots lift the pavement when they grow? and how much extra did all that cost?

Although most of the locals are still very sceptical about the practicalities of the bridge we turned out in force on saturday. The atmosphere was great, I look forward to seeing how it all works when the traffic is allowed. I do wonder though as to why trees were planted every few yards? they are obstructuvive in my eyes especially if you have a wide buggy or a wheelchair. Will the roots lift the pavement when they grow? and how much extra did all that cost?hamworthygirl

Amazingly no dissenters were ever interviewed on the television news coverage, it is not what all the residents of Poole wanted, the councillors lauding it failed to tell viewers it will take at least 8 years for the brown fill sight to be completed, and no mention at all of the increase in the traffic using these bridges the housing and offices will create, and complete silence of the annual costs of maintaining both. Good PR councillors typical torie rhetoric.

Amazingly no dissenters were ever interviewed on the television news coverage, it is not what all the residents of Poole wanted, the councillors lauding it failed to tell viewers it will take at least 8 years for the brown fill sight to be completed, and no mention at all of the increase in the traffic using these bridges the housing and offices will create, and complete silence of the annual costs of maintaining both. Good PR councillors typical torie rhetoric.Baywolf

Baywolf wrote:
Amazingly no dissenters were ever interviewed on the television news coverage, it is not what all the residents of Poole wanted, the councillors lauding it failed to tell viewers it will take at least 8 years for the brown fill sight to be completed, and no mention at all of the increase in the traffic using these bridges the housing and offices will create, and complete silence of the annual costs of maintaining both. Good PR councillors typical torie rhetoric.

I thought the same as i was expresing my views to others about not having a fixed bridge and why, no one said anything negative. As I said we shall see how good it is at relieving the traffic through the blandford road, but we are stuck with it now so have to make the most of the change of scenery when I walk.

[quote][p][bold]Baywolf[/bold] wrote:
Amazingly no dissenters were ever interviewed on the television news coverage, it is not what all the residents of Poole wanted, the councillors lauding it failed to tell viewers it will take at least 8 years for the brown fill sight to be completed, and no mention at all of the increase in the traffic using these bridges the housing and offices will create, and complete silence of the annual costs of maintaining both. Good PR councillors typical torie rhetoric.[/p][/quote]I thought the same as i was expresing my views to others about not having a fixed bridge and why, no one said anything negative. As I said we shall see how good it is at relieving the traffic through the blandford road, but we are stuck with it now so have to make the most of the change of scenery when I walk.hamworthygirl

“Development should not be done at any price – we must push for quality to secure Poole’s long term future.”

That is why money should have been spent on a fixed span bridge.

"....that will make it such a stunning addition to Poole’s skyline." No. It will be visible only briefly every few hours.

“Development should not be done at any price – we must push for quality to secure Poole’s long term future.”
That is why money should have been spent on a fixed span bridge.
"....that will make it such a stunning addition to Poole’s skyline." No. It will be visible only briefly every few hours.Old Colonial

On a more serious note, one hopes that PBC withold a percentage of payment until the bridge has run trouble free for a year.
I forsee failures due to the high winds we now experience will be effecting the erect sails.

On a more serious note, one hopes that PBC withold a percentage of payment until the bridge has run trouble free for a year.
I forsee failures due to the high winds we now experience will be effecting the erect sails.Mike R-B

Great bridge, good cycle lanes and improved conditions for walkers from Hamworthy end. Walking along the main road a few inches from speeding traffic was unpleasant.
The cycle lane could easily be linked to the track behind Woodlands Avenue to Cobbs Quay then on to Upton Country Park to complete a Holes Bay route.
Not good for boats leaving Holes Bay though, surely there's not enough room between the bridges for one up one down strategy.
Now can we have the footbridge over the railway line into Ham Park please. All the political parties said it was a priority before the election.
The Twin Sails Bridge is great, well done all involved !

Great bridge, good cycle lanes and improved conditions for walkers from Hamworthy end. Walking along the main road a few inches from speeding traffic was unpleasant.
The cycle lane could easily be linked to the track behind Woodlands Avenue to Cobbs Quay then on to Upton Country Park to complete a Holes Bay route.
Not good for boats leaving Holes Bay though, surely there's not enough room between the bridges for one up one down strategy.
Now can we have the footbridge over the railway line into Ham Park please. All the political parties said it was a priority before the election.
The Twin Sails Bridge is great, well done all involved !udaku

It will be interesting to see the new lifting schedule which is due any day. The original plan did not seem to take into account marine traffic needing to be allowed through in both directions.

It will be interesting to see the new lifting schedule which is due any day. The original plan did not seem to take into account marine traffic needing to be allowed through in both directions.Old Colonial

If you got nothing constructive or good to say then just bloody well shut up!

Sick to the back teeth of professional moaners with absolutely nothing to say in the slightest

Start concentrating and focusing your energies on your less than perfect lives first

Great to see the pious moaners are out in force
Always quick to criticise.
Everything's perfect in their make believe world.
If you got nothing constructive or good to say then just bloody well shut up!
Sick to the back teeth of professional moaners with absolutely nothing to say in the slightest
Start concentrating and focusing your energies on your less than perfect lives firstCookie75

The wait is not quite over. The bridge, which was planned to be opened to traffic today remains closed because "small glitches" have delayed the plans. The council have stated that "the bridge will be open in time for the official opening, if not sooner".

The wait is not quite over. The bridge, which was planned to be opened to traffic today remains closed because "small glitches" have delayed the plans. The council have stated that "the bridge will be open in time for the official opening, if not sooner".Old Harry

Great job / only negative is the railings between the pedestrian walkway and the road which has this strange waving rails which if done properly would look ok ,but its done badly and is wrong therefor should be put right before the bill is paid ?

Great job / only negative is the railings between the pedestrian walkway and the road which has this strange waving rails which if done properly would look ok ,but its done badly and is wrong therefor should be put right before the bill is paid ?bourne free

Looks great and well done to the council for making a brave decision to build an ironic bridge and not just a run of the mill concrete span.

It looks amazing at night and will be sure to give confidence to potential investors in the area!

Good job!

Looks great and well done to the council for making a brave decision to build an ironic bridge and not just a run of the mill concrete span.
It looks amazing at night and will be sure to give confidence to potential investors in the area!
Good job!Hooper123

Yep, the bridge could have been strung across Holes Bay, even started at the bunnie rabbit haven, Canford Bottom

What we got is just about hunky-dory

Rejoice you Evening Echo trolls and behave

Oh yea of little faith
Poole is a wonderful enviorment to enjoy and reside within
Our town fathers work wonders and I applaud them
Yep, the bridge could have been strung across Holes Bay, even started at the bunnie rabbit haven, Canford Bottom
What we got is just about hunky-dory
Rejoice you Evening Echo trolls and behaveThe Cerne Giant

portia6 wrote:
Regeneration of Poole is now
taking place lets hope the
houses and shops will bring
young families into our historic
town!

Yes but I doubt there will be many houses. It will be flats flats flats. If there is more than 15% then you know that this is all about developers making large sums of money and nothing about poole or the people of poole. Just remember who is responsible for this at the next local election.

[quote][p][bold]portia6[/bold] wrote:
Regeneration of Poole is now
taking place lets hope the
houses and shops will bring
young families into our historic
town![/p][/quote]Yes but I doubt there will be many houses. It will be flats flats flats. If there is more than 15% then you know that this is all about developers making large sums of money and nothing about poole or the people of poole. Just remember who is responsible for this at the next local election.Dr Strangelove

Old Harry wrote:
About time the Echo updated this story. The BBC broke news of the current problems at 9.09 AM today, see http://www.bbc.co.uk

/news/uk-england-dor

set-17166084

To be fair the Echo carried the story that the Bridge would not be opening to traffic today (Monday the 27th) on the 22nd of February and that information is repeated in the above story. The BBC report doesn't add anything new.

[quote][p][bold]Old Harry[/bold] wrote:
About time the Echo updated this story. The BBC broke news of the current problems at 9.09 AM today, see http://www.bbc.co.uk
/news/uk-england-dor
set-17166084[/p][/quote]To be fair the Echo carried the story that the Bridge would not be opening to traffic today (Monday the 27th) on the 22nd of February and that information is repeated in the above story. The BBC report doesn't add anything new.Glashen

bourne free wrote:
portia6 -- Jobs is what is needed not more young families scrounging of the state ?

bourne free yes jobs are exactly what the younger generation need but the current government are wrecking the UK economy to prop up the housing market. Home owner by any chance hope you know that most youngsters will have a very slim chance of property ownership. I have seen a lot recently and completely don't blame then for giving up. So long as you've got your castle!!!

[quote][p][bold]bourne free[/bold] wrote:
portia6 -- Jobs is what is needed not more young families scrounging of the state ?[/p][/quote]bourne free yes jobs are exactly what the younger generation need but the current government are wrecking the UK economy to prop up the housing market. Home owner by any chance hope you know that most youngsters will have a very slim chance of property ownership. I have seen a lot recently and completely don't blame then for giving up. So long as you've got your castle!!!Dr Strangelove

If you got nothing constructive or good to say then just bloody well shut up!

Sick to the back teeth of professional moaners with absolutely nothing to say in the slightest

Start concentrating and focusing your energies on your less than perfect lives first

Rather harsh comments we as locals, are just expressing opinions which I think are valid. Not being pious at all, just stating our reservations of how good the new bridge will be once the traffic is up and running. I will be the first to "eat my words" if im wrong.

[quote][p][bold]Cookie75[/bold] wrote:
Great to see the pious moaners are out in force
Always quick to criticise.
Everything's perfect in their make believe world.
If you got nothing constructive or good to say then just bloody well shut up!
Sick to the back teeth of professional moaners with absolutely nothing to say in the slightest
Start concentrating and focusing your energies on your less than perfect lives first[/p][/quote]Rather harsh comments we as locals, are just expressing opinions which I think are valid. Not being pious at all, just stating our reservations of how good the new bridge will be once the traffic is up and running. I will be the first to "eat my words" if im wrong.hamworthygirl

Well Dr Knows Best, I don't think you know best in this case.
It is wishful thinking if you think the property prices will rise because of this folly. Furthermore there is good chance that we will see an increase in traffic congestion. Particularly with any reliability problems with the bridge and the bad managing of the traffic schemes.

Well Dr Knows Best, I don't think you know best in this case.
It is wishful thinking if you think the property prices will rise because of this folly. Furthermore there is good chance that we will see an increase in traffic congestion. Particularly with any reliability problems with the bridge and the bad managing of the traffic schemes.Reader Echo

dr strangelove -- yes i agree with the condem party wrecking the economy but dont understand the proping up the housing market at all , can you explain that bit ? My castle is only for the holidays as back and forth every week was expensive in the bentley !

dr strangelove -- yes i agree with the condem party wrecking the economy but dont understand the proping up the housing market at all , can you explain that bit ? My castle is only for the holidays as back and forth every week was expensive in the bentley !bourne free